Rory McIlroy made his American breakthrough at Quail Hollow in 2010 – but all
he fancied breaking there was his putter across his knees.

To be fair to the world No 2, the greens are so wretched at the famous Charlotte layout that McIlroy can be forgiven his wayward aim in his 73 which put him on five-under, three off the lead.

An unseasonal patch in North Carolina has turned the putting surfaces into something akin skateboard parks.

Certainly they upended McIlroy on a day that was challenging enough anyway because of the high gusts.

Playing with Lee Westwood, McIlroy missed seven putts within six feet. Rather incredibly, considering that statistic, he still managed to limit the damage to a one-over 73.

Apart from the flat stick, his ball-striking was excellent on a blustery day. This was best evidenced on the par-five seven when McIlroy hit his approach from nearly 200 yards to four feet for an eagle.